Monday, December 24, 2007

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Ma woke me up real early today morning to go out with her to run some errands...Made myself a mean egg and some green tea and rushed out the door looking all fuffy-early-in-the-morning face.Went to the Oman Travel Bureau to get our tickets for Bangladesh. Flight's on Tuesday early morning 3am. Not lovin it.Then we both went for a hair cut. I got layers and this time got a good length off. I have short hair now...well not short short, maybe medium would be a better word. Ever realize how they say they're not going to take much off and they ALWAYS end up doing so. Ma says it looks nice so I'm happy. She got a trim too. Ah someone touching my hair or face always puts me to sleep.We picked Naima, my sis, up from home because she would rather sleep in (I would too lol) for lunch. We went to this Chinese/Thai place and had some chicken hakka noodles and thai red curry chicken. Yum but doesn't compare to Jasmine.Then we went for some groceries...by now I was so so tired.Came home...took a nap. Woke up, had some leftovers and a few tangerines. Watched a bit of Laguna Beach, Oprah, Dr. Phil...everything. Worked on my IRB protocol for sometime...now ready to go to bed.T'was a fun day with the mom...=)

Friends, acquaintances, etc.: I am so sorry I am being this complete hibernating pig and not wanting to meet up, socialize or anything. Just not in the mood I guess due to a multitude of reasons ---but I still love all of you just as much if not more.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

...and I am not in my glistening white, beautiful, snowed in Buffalo. Yes, I called Buffalo beautiful because no matter how blizzardy, cold and ugly it gets sometimes, its beautiful to me because of the last 6 years that I have spent there.

Christmas is just a couple of millions of seconds away and I can picture most major shopping centers all around the world hustling and bustling with people from all walks of life trying to finish their christmas shopping---very last minute though! I know many of you wonder whether Christmas is celebrated here in Oman (some sweet person assumed I celebrate kwanzaa---very cute.), it is very much celebrated here in much vigor and color. There's christmas decor everywhere you go and the spirit is definitely around too.

Every religion's major festivals are celebrated here...it's quite surprising to many but the middle east is a melting pot of different religions.

Anyways, I had all these thoughts for all people all around the world:

-All loved ones: You are blessed, cherish it!

-All not-loved ones: It's impossible, there's at least a someone who loves you but you just don't know it or don't want to know about it.

They all live here in Oman and they adore me for being their play buddy. Love all of them. I know there are some of you looking at me like I'm kid-obssessed. I seriously am in no rush to have my own but definitely don't mind playing with others lol.Leave for Bangladesh in 3 days. Serious trepidation.I know my mom will be hunting for grooms in all the weddings I will be attending with her. Although I like attending people's weddings, I am in no mood to look around or anything...not the least bit. Just like to be by myself. Why do parents feel the dire need to get us hitched? So like brown parents. But then again there's the whole being obedient to them and all--after all its our parents who brings us into this world, feed us, educate us yada yada (welcome to desi culture)... Gowri haaalp meeee.....I think its best we both get married. What say you? lmao

Thursday, December 20, 2007

-Have been going to endless eat-a-thons ever since yesterday i.e. dinners at family friends and other people's places all dressed up in traditional garb...I love to dress up though but then I also need to loosen them pants and drawstrings everytime I eat... I am so, so, so stuffed. I just got back from a dinner. I can't believe a foodie like me could get tired of foood but I am this time round.-Eid-ul-Adha is all about eating tons of meat. Lamb, Beef and chicken. In forms or curries, pilafs, etc. It's also about hugging loved ones and being kind. Cliched as it may sound, I am doing all of it lol.-I just had an orange to melt it down but don't think a teensy orange will be able to hold up to all that grease.-Weather here is divine. Thank you Lord!-I have been trying to put my mind together...still a wee bit jet-lagged so I wake up at wee hours and sleep at...you guessed it...wee hours. Wee.-Got an A- in this one final project so a little happy about that.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Dec 13, 1pm: My lover G dropped me to the airport and also walked me through security and stayed with me until I boarded. I mean I didn’t know God still made people like these. Beautiful angels like G are a rarity these days. *Tear* So I boarded after an hour or so.

3:30pm: Arrived at JFK. Atanu came to see me and that was the nicest thing ever. I am one of those people who usually spend all time alone at airports when departing and takes a cab home when arriving. No one waiting with flowers, hugs or none of that. I am so used to it by now that when someone does come, it feels just too nice. Waited at baggage claim for another half hour.

6:00pm: By the time I scooted to Terminal 7 (with Atanu’s help) for my flight to London, it was already getting late. I feared that I would miss my flight. Luckily I didn’t. It was bye bye time. Robbie made it the last two minutes before I checked in. At least got to see him for 2 minutes. All worth it for me. Thank you Rob. Thank you Atanu again. So nice of you.

7:00pm -9:30pm: Waited to board the flight. Delays, shmelays. I cried a lot at the airport—very silently though---mascaras running down and all. I am really tired of always journeying alone . I wish there was someone although I am a veteran in long-distance everything (6 years since I left Oman and that one year in between when I was in Oman for over a year and all things came tumbling down). You would say it too if you traveled half way across the world every six months or so. Anyways, so I purchased a magazine to kill time. One of those $2.99 life and style magazines. I know, bogus on print but still had to make for some killing time. This one elderly looking man asked if I was okay...I smiled and said I was fine.Although I am friendly by nature lol, when I am traveling or anything by myself, I usually have my ipod glued to my ears and don’t talk to strangers unless they want some assistance from me.

10:00pm – 4am: Aboard British Airways double decker. Watched a bit of hairspray (love that Tracy girl in it…she can move!), thought of all my loved ones in Buffalo…a sweet old couple was seated next to me. Every time the plane got bumpy the wife grabbed her husband’s hands. *Tear*

Dec 14: 6am: Heathrow, Terminal 4. Cleared security to find out I missed my connecting to Oman. Mother. I was so so pissed. I mean it was because my flight from jfk got delayed that I missed the connecting. In the midst of all this I was having severe sinus congestion and all that good stuff so all the more annoyed. Went to the connections desk and they told me they would put me on another later flight with Gulf Air to Bahrain and then another connecting to Oman. I had 8 hours in between and she told me could give me a room at the Hilton. Thank god!

7am: Scooted to the Hilton which is all connected via the terminals. Oh my God ! What an absolutely gorgeous hotel. Amazing…I haven’t seen such a pretty hotel in a while. Wish I had my camera…

8:00am-1pm: Took a shower! Slept for 4 hours or so in the comfy queen sized….can u believe it they had toiletries from crabtree and evelyn. Love it. Missed my free lunch though at this place, the Brasserie, it was so beautiful…had a waterfall by it and all but I just was too tired.

2:00pm: Went over to Terminal 3, a mighty long walk it was.

3:00-5:00pm: Bought some lame sandwich and had my mucinex…staring at the swarms of people sitting around. Everyone rushing, gushing, trying to make it to their destinations. Felt like I was in a movie.

5:00pm: Boarded Gulf Air. Hmm…not to be all snooty but really not feeling it. Very tight and less spacious—a little smelly maybe as well.

6:00pm: Plane decides to take off…they kept saying ‘airport congestion’ all the time flights got delayed. I do understand that major airports like jfk and heathrow are busy.

6:00pm- 12midnight: Got seated next to the two cutest Filipino girls. Best part of my entire journey. Kathleen Claire, 7 and Mawie LiAnn, 10 from Alberta, Canada. They were flying with their dad to see their mom in Bahrain. Let me tell you, by far the best, best travel buddies. They kept asking what grade I was in. How cute. We played unscramble the words (something they invented), hangman and practiced signatures and they also taught me how to snap my fingers to the Z formation…lol. We then watched Sabrina on the mini tv…lol..then they listened to my ipod. Love, love it. They gave me their email addresses, friendster and even postal address so that I could send them birthday cards. Adorable. The funny thing was people kept complaining about us being loud. Hehehe…Aww…they were the cutest things ever.

Dec15 -1am: Reached Bahrain. First time in Bahrain. The airport was pretty nice. Had a layover there for 5 hours. Really tired by now. Ipod died. Trepidation.

6am: Boarded plane to Oman. Ended up running into one of my high school mates who was the flight attendant. Feels nice meeting school people.

7:30am: TOUCHDOWN! Arrived in Oman…sweet sunshine. Baggages missing. No problems , Ah Finally getting to see mommy dearest felt so good. Holding her hands, hugging her. She had to go to work right after and I felt so bad that all these delays and stuff threw her off schedule... she travels real far to go to work. She is such a strong woman I know I will never be half the woman she is.

After that I came home and passed out forever. I did check my email before passing out and Gowri, it felt really nice to receive an email from you asking about my arrival---you’re so my boyfriend. Thank you. I mean a good portion of my life has depended on maintaining relationships via email because most of my life I have been apart from loved ones. I have been maintaining long-distance relationships with parents, friends, significant others for so long now that when someone asks me, I forget what to say and many a times don’t know what I am saying. So Gowri, my angel…thank you, the power of email, to me is still very very strong as you can see—and I know to you it is too.

I still feel like I am moving. My back hurts so much…ah my bengay awaits in my lost suitcase…

This was supposed to be posted two days ago had my internet not acted lame =)Iam a lot better now...just got back form shopping.miss u g.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

A little sick here, a little sick there.Project almost complete.A day left till I go home--can't wait for the 14 hour flight (minus layovers)Still happy that a person came to Buffalo for a hot second (a rarity indeed)

Alas, a pictorial of what this semester has been...and I am sure some things will carry over to the new year as well =)

Yes Gowri, Betty Boop represents you...you probably know exactly what each of the pic means...ooh the love between us.

Monday, December 10, 2007

--At the end of the day I am a sucker for being forgiving, forgetting and all that good stuff.So, someones visiting B-town so I'm all happy, happy, happy although it is going to be a task to get work done when special people are around.

lol--it's funny when you read the post below...I was and am still having a hectic week though.But at the end of the day, I am a true blue forgetter of all things bad. In the process though, I overlook a lot of things that many may consider not overlookable. But thats how I am surviving in this world.Is that a good thing?Well, I leave for home and usually I like to leave on a good note--so the story goes.

Okay back to paper.

Want to listen to a nice song? Linger by Cranberries. So heartwarming.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

IVY "Edge Of The Ocean"There's a place I dream aboutWhere the sun never goes out.And the sky is deep and blue.Won't you take me there with you.Ohhh, we can begin again.Shed our skin, let the sun shine in.At the edge of the oceanWe can start over again.

There's a world I've always knownSomewhere far away from home.When I close my eyes I seeAll the space and mystery.Ohhh, we can begin again.Shed our skin, let the sun shine in.At the edge of the oceanWe can start over again.

You know when you are mentally and emotionally unsound you can't concentrate on a whole bunch of other things. It's like a chain reaction, snowball effect--whatever you want to call it. I have this utterly horrendous 20 page paper to do and a database to complete. None of which is shaping up substantially because I am just troubled. Its 3:45 pm and I really should be working on my projects, instead I am venting in virtual space. There are people I can share these things with but they have their own share of problems to deal with and I wouldn't want to burden them any further with my ramblings. You know, as much as I refer to my depressing situation as 'ramblings', it really isn't. I really put up with a lot...Yes, I said it and I know there are people with bigger problems but I am so f***** tired of living life in this comparative mode. Enough of being sane and understanding. Sick of putting up a front...sick of being how people want me to be. Need to f**** stop being a people pleaser.I have no idea how I will progress with my final papers.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Went to work from 12-4pm. Second last day at work before spring semester *tear*. So after work I decided to be a fatty and go with Joanna to the Economics department holiday party. I am such a foodaholic. Hate it but can't help it. So they had luscious food there...Indian food, Chinese food, Greek food...wow! After that went to Lockwood to tweak around with the Database project. I don't like using VBA programming...confuses me a lot. G came over to see me at Lockwood. We then went to WalMart to pick some stuff for her big night tomorrow. She is going to this winter gala sort of thing tomorrow. Her dress is this beautiful shade of turquoise and goes amazingly with her skin tone. I hope she has a great time there tomorrow. What will I be doing tomorrow? Sitting with my Access bible somewhere and try to figure this thing out and then work on the public policy paper. Can't can't wait.

I know it is too early to make new years resolutions but the coming year I hope to become a more patient and enduring person. Hope to cherish the things that have been given to me and be satisfied with them instead of being whiny. God, give me the strength. Okay I sound crazy...lol.Been a long day...nite.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Okay---I am such a retard. Didn't realize that the 25 page paper was due today. Thank god I opened the syllabus. I felt like such a undergrad today after such a long time. Wow. Can't believe it. Luckily, I had half of it done from last week. Got it in about 15 to 12...can't believe how I did this. I am so on top of things usually...anyways, tomorrow I will be hibernating in Lockwood with my Access bible. Can't wait...not.On a merrier note, the holiday party at work was such a blast. There was so, so, so much food and coming from a foodie like me, that definitely means there was a ton of food. From appetizers like phyllo wraps to main items like shrimp gumbo and desserts like pecan pie...I can't name all of them here, would take forever. Even Ming (my lovely from work who I absolutely adore---she is like my partner in crime all the time and we both love to eat...well pig out actually) said that it was a little tiring, all the food. Joanna too was enjoying everything...she is my gorgeous, blue-eyed ice princess from Poland. Braynard is another work mate who always has funny anecdotes to share with everyone...from how to make tartar sauce to how how americans are the prettiest people in the world (that's exactly in his words...soo cute). After this huge feast I met up with my raunchy lover G (for whom I sneaked some wine from the party *wink wink*). We didn't go to class but did manage to discover the paper deadline. Thank God I opened up that syllabus today. Why was I thinking it was due the 14th or something? Cwazy.Okay---so by default I am very tired. Someone got done with all their exams today...more power to them. Hope you make some time for 'Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool'---

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

I was reading my horoscope in Elle's December issue and couldn't help but smile....

GEMINI (May 21- June 21)To make it easy for your mile-a-minute brain, here's a quick December checklist: Don't bet the farm on a get-rich-quick scheme. Don't marry the first man to propose. Don't go out without clean underthings. Do allow yourself to fall head over heels for somebody new, but for heaven's sake, don't let them know. Work your tail off from the 5th to the 30th, then go on holiday--or strike.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

In nine days all that? Should be doable. Need to OD on some tea, coffee, music, sugar, etc. all the uppity I can get. I am so stressed that I am getting pimples all over my face. Achy pimples. I have under-eye circles, bags, crows feet...name it and I have got it. All at the tender age of 24. LOL. No but seriously, I haven't slept in a long time. I can't remember the last time I had a decent 8 hours of sleep...or even 7, 6 or 5 hours.I need to get home asap so I can sleep, eat, think and function normally. Hope everything thats not going well in my life right now will get back to normal soon...I always want the best when someone else is involved in my life in any way...but then again it takes two.Argh---need time to release all this stress.

Monday, December 3, 2007

You know one of those days when it snows a lot, is freezing cold and you haven't slept enough the previous night. Yeah, it was one of those days. Work however, like always, was fun. People at work always make me so happy and cheerful as they keep pouring sweet nothings into my ears. After work, I pulled myself together to go the gym. I mean it took some serious determination to head there in the midst of this 'lake-effect-snow' weather. I have a wedding to attend this time when I go home and I would like to look presentable hence the perseverance to work out. Lately though I haven't been going on a regular basis. School work, distance, weather, etc. have been playing significant roles. Came home after that and got some milk at the convenience store on my way home. Cooked some rice and beef and then inhaled a bit of it. See, there's no point in people like me working out who have a definitive relationship with food. Then I sat to comb my long, knotted hair and then a tooth of the comb accidentally dug into the nasty cut I endured on Friday. Bled for sometime...I hate cuts, nicks and all that stuff although I am super-prone to these things. As I was combing my hair I was thinking how my hair resembles the state of my life in a queer way. Dry, tangled and long. It's hard being cheery all the time but I try to maintain a positive outlook towards life in spite of the many unfavorable situations that it may bear sometimes. Okay...watching Heroes. Love Peter Petrelli (Milo Ventimiglia).

Sunday, December 2, 2007

There was once a person, who was a hopeless romantic. This person was an ardent believer in romanticism. Romanticism has very little to do with things popularly thought of as "romantic," although love may occasionally be the subject of Romantic art. One day this person thought of building a house with much determination and confidence, of course along with the help of another special person. It has been four years and they still have some work remaining to be done. All the rooms have been painted, there is beautiful hardwood floors, solid mahagony furniture, folding french doors and windows and an unbeatable front porch. No roof however atop this gorgeous house. But the romantic one, is eager to at least discuss the possibility of building a roof---you know like gather the roof materials. But the other special person won't even discuss the roof. The special person expressed that there lies the intense and sincere intent to build the roof for sure someday but just not yet. Today, the romantic, in a very hopeless state of mind is staring out the window---reminiscing the times and wondering why roof talk is forbidden....

Saturday, December 1, 2007

9:30am- Cut my thumb with a knife while cutting a fruit.10:00am- Slipped on ice, fell on my back.2:00pm- Gash like paper cut with a sharp folder.

*Still smiling*

Being patient, understanding, tolerant, etc. etc. are sometimes all too exhausting.I obviously can't be too discrete on here but just want to reiterate that I am just a little tired from a whole bunch of things. Okay, I really don't want to complain about anything. I have two legs, two hands, a functional respiratory system...thankful to God for everything. When I am unhappy, there's usually one person to blame for it...me. I hope I am not coming across as the ever-ungrateful types. I am grateful for everything that is in my life....even things that are left in forms of left-overs.

Last night was impromptu going out...I was hanging out at Gowri's...we talk about so much stuff and its always a guaranteed fun thing to do. Love my G_love. Anyways, Mahrin, this other friend of mine who is an absolute darling came to pick me up to join her, her boyfriend and some more people for some lounging. Mahrin is a person who is so well-rounded. She is a super smart student and at the same time manages to be involved in various extra cirricular and just be so great at it all! So then Tilova, Nora, Kapono, Shyam, Mahrin and Tawheed and I went to Prespa. Okay, I don't like Prespa but they really wanted to go. It was deadbeat. We then headed to Nektar for a bit which was semi-dead too but I kind of like that, but that's just me. Its a rare thing when I feel like getting my dance on. After Nektar, some of the lovelies headed for some clubbing. Mahrin, Tawheed and I declined...I was super tired plus I wanted to sleep well so I could get started on my final papers.

On a different not--going home (Oman) this winter and definitely looking forward to some quality time with my mom and sister. Then mom and I are going to Bangladesh...wow, we will be going there after 5 years together. Can't wait.

Okay I just baked this corn bread kind of thing...turned out pretty good actually.(Think happy thoughts)

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Where are we? What the hell is going on?The dust has only just begun to form,Crop circles in the carpet, sinking, feeling.Spin me round again and rub my eyes.This can't be happening.When busy streets a mess with peoplewould stop to hold their heads heavy.

Hide and seek.Trains and sewing machines.All those years they were here first.

Hide and seek.Trains and sewing machines. (Oh, you won't catch me around here)Blood and tears,They were here first.

Mmm, what you say?Mm, that you only meant well? Well, of course you did.Mmm, what you say?Mm, that it's all for the best? Ah of course it is.Mmm, what you say?Mm, that it's just what we need? And you decided this.Mmm what you say?What did she say?

Saturday, November 24, 2007

So--The past few days have been rather eventful and a ton of fun. Gowri and I had planned that no matter, what we would make this Thanksgiving the greatest break ever. We planned out a bunch of things a while ago (like a week ago really) and we followed through with most of it. From spending a night at the VIP area of a club to visiting an art gallery, we did it all. On Thanksgiving, we decided (well, actually I did because I am pretty good at envisioning how long it takes to prepare a meal.) to roast a whole chicken instead of a turkey. Yes, no turkey but hey, everyone love's chicken and you can never really go wrong with chicken. We also got the fixings...potato salad, dinner rolls, gravy, sweet corn, pumpkin pie, etc. It was a ton of fun. Since it was us kids preparing everything, the food tasted just about okay (according to me) but it was really a therapeutic expreience. Need to stop this habit of calling everything therapeutic. I am sure there are people who dread cooking. All in all, the past few days have been fun. Some stuff I am not going to put here because it would render some questionable consequences. Hence the pictorial representation.Before leaving ---Just one quick thought that I would like to mention. Girls think, Boys don't. It's obviously not true for all girls and all boys but that rule holds very, very true in today's world. I feel that the female mind is this non-stop thinking machine. I mean I know that I sometimes double or triple think. Seems like a hard thing but is achieved quite flawlessly by the ever-wondering female mind. It's not a good thing. I actually prefer the way guys think. They think about something for a hot second and they don't. Their thinking is kind of like short movies. Really short movies albeit successful. Females, however, have sequels to those movies. Many, many sequels, most of which are ginormous flops. This is why women are always going to be behind men in terms of their thinkology. Ignore the usage of weird lingo.Which one am I? About 4 years ago I was a true blue female thinker. Ever since though I have been trying to switch to male thinking mode---almost getting there. Soon, I too, will be able to enjoy life---without thinking.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

So...today was the last day of classes before Thanksgiving break. We only had one class cancelled but had the other two. In between classes, Gowri and I went to the mall to browse for a bit. She has a winter gala sort of thing coming up so we were looking for a dress for her. She is so gorgeous that she could literally pick anything off the rack and put it on and she would look like a dream. After the mall we grabbed a quick bite and then headed to class. Class went all the way up to 8:32pm and Professor Raffel considers that 'letting us out early'. Anyways, all in good spirit. After class I went over to Gowri's and got some delicious food there. Then we came over to my place after watching 'Dancing with the Stars'. I think Mel B is so, so, so gorgeous. Her accent just adds to the sexiness. So, at my place we watched 'Kimora- Life in the Fab Lane' and was thinking how nice would it be if we were in her place.Ish, I don't know what's the point of me reiterating happenings of certain days on here anymore. I mean I know some of my friends (whom I don't see here and live like faraway) like to know what's going on in my life, but really it's just lame, boring stuff---almost like everyone else's lives. Almost. This obviously excludes a lot of people but I am not getting into that now. So, I have been this real mess lately. I feel like I am just losing direction. I consider myself to be a semi-focused person. But sometimes, I feel like I am falling off a cliff...into something. The falling part seems bad but the something part isn't clear to me yet.Okay, these kids upstairs are blasting their music like nobody's business. I would have so called the cops on them--this is what happens when you've spent a good amount of your college life being a Resident Adviser-- but I am too lazy to do that right now. Too much work..Okay, sleepy time.Another thing---I just wish people would kind of stop paying too much attention. I don't like that when people who are not even remotely connected to someone pay more than required attention to that someone's life. Go figure. Nite

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Cyclone Sidr. More like Cyclone Doomsday. An entire faction of souls just lifted off the face of the earth. The earth probably weighs a little lighter today and feels a little empty with an entire part of it washed away of human life. What saddens me more is the fact that Bangladesh is one of the most impoverished nations in South Asia and it really doesn't need this. More than 2,000 people are dead and it is feared that the death toll could soar. All the people who have lost loved ones and their homes must be in a completely abnormal state of mind. I mean, I can't even imagine what they are going through and I think nobody will be ever able to imagine unless they have gone through it. And to top it all these are people who live below the poverty line in houses made of bamboo.I am going to be frank here, It did take me a little longer to assimilate the fact because I never lived in Bangladesh. It still is the place of my origin. I am a Non-Residential Bangladeshi and like many more, all I can do is hop on to cnn.com and see some quick numbers, pictures of debris and people sobbing, sitting by wreckage. But, tonight, I am feeling very hurt. I could have been one of them. Picturesque villages washed away, families broken apart, children being taken for burial and swarms of people sitting hopeless that none of it will ever return. It's a picture of so much horror and pain that I'd rather not think too much about it. I just pray for all of them---the dead, the injured, the lost...hope they all go to safe place soon.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Yes, I am a certified scatterbrain. This is not good. I had planned on taking the Database Quiz today but instead I lazed around all day. Watched TV, browsed through Facebook a gazillion times and ate some food. I just cant assimilate the fact that from now until December 12 or so we have about 4 presentations, 4 papers, etc. Its crazy. It was snowing for a bit today.Okay sleepy time...gotta wake up and take my quiz tomtom =D

Sunday, November 11, 2007

So, I have a new lover. Her name is Gowri...hehehe. This girl is my sweet love coz we just have so much fun when we chill together. Today for example we were at the mall...clothes shopping for a bit. It's so lame that malls close at 6 on Sundays. Ew ew. So after that we headed to Wegmans for some impromptu grocery shopping. We spent ten million years in the tea and cookie section. I like people who consider going to grocery stores therapeutic. Just walking from one aisle to the other aisle, looking at different things bearing different shapes, sizes and colors is such a holistic experience. Okay I shall stop. So, anyways, she bought this real nice beef strips wrapped in all kinds of things like cheese and herbs. We also bought some flan making materials. Then went over to her place and put the beef in the oven and made the flan. That beef thingy was delicious. Amazingly succulent and oozing with precious cheese. We also had some 'puttu' and 'dal' that her mommy made which I love. I absolutely love South Indian food...The flan, however, didn't turn out that good (at least according to me)...I am losing my touch but G-love said she liked it and thats all that matters. We then watched 'Knocked Up'...I saw it before but G didn't...I love this movie. So well put together and the comic timing and dialogues are all so good. So anyways, my love dropped me home and it was the end of our clandestine affair...hehehe. I just took a shower and slathered some tea tree oil on my face because I am pimple face of the year. ...aaah lots of things to do tomorrow. Sleep must I.

P.S. Gwen's new fragrance is uber-sexy and I am coaxing Gowri into getting it...it goes well with her personality.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Wow today was one sedentary and stagnant of a Saturday up until 9pm. It's not even worth mentioning what I did before 9 (capstone, eat, capstone, tv, etc.) but after that Gowri and I went to check out Nektar- the uber-cool bar where we will be having the Martini Stress Reliever this Friday. It's real nice but we felt its a bit too small so we went to a few other places like Duo, Le Metro, Papayas, etc. but then we settled on Nektar because it just seemed so much better in comparision to the other ones. It is a tad small but then small is cozy and cozy is good...its better than being scattered all over the place. It's not stuffy though. The reason we picked this place is because we want to have a gathering at a nice place (so we can dress up nice j/k=) and have a pleasant ambience. Had enough of undergrad style, $ 1 beer places. I mean it's okay but this time we planned on a nicer place because let's face it...Buffalo can be quite the slushy place due to its delectable weather. Also...I like to actually be able to hear what the other person is saying in a bar than having to crouch up their ears or mouths to prolong a conversation. No Thanks. Funny thing is I don't even drink so...well I do have a mean Shirley Temple (with a little less Sprite please). Anyways, this looks like it is going to be a fun little thing where me and G-love will get to vent some long-held stress and pain....

Friday, November 9, 2007

Don't ask me why the title is so. It's one of those situations where I can't write about it...just kind of think about it in my head.The pic is actually of my all-time fave comic book. Always was the perfect bedtime, schooltime, bathroomtime read...=)Today was not too bad. I still have a cold...seriously, it's been too long now since I have had this cold. I wonder how I'd cope once this is gone. Ok kidding. Work shmirk was good...I love my work peeps. They all have such vibrant personalities and it's so much fun chit chatting with them. We talk about everything from - is farting better than stomach rumbling (that was me- you guessed I'm sure =) to is prostitution being offered at massage places and spas? I know its random but it's fun and relaxing. After work I headed to the gym for a bit. Ever since I have been on these antibiotics, I have been feeling very weak and I am also looking terrible. My eyes look puffy, dark circles underneath, blotchy skin, etc. etc. - oh well, I'm just happy that I am not as sick as I was pre-antibiotics. After 40 minutes or so I slipped into the sauna for a bit...I called Gowri and then she came and picked me up and we went out and about for a spin. We went to Wal-Mart, Boulevard Mall to pick our body splashes along with our BOGO free coupons. I got the Black raspberry vanilla and I need some serious reviews from people about the scent. I like it but then I hope I am not smelling like Robitussin. She got some food for Ryan from Outback Steakhouse. She's a real gem.She dropped me home and I have been here ever since. Just sitting in front of the computer...being lazy, unfocused, coughy, blank and just confused.I know I have never mentioned my closest guy friend here before...it's R. Thats his initial and thats as far as I am willing to go...explanation will follow. The word 'friend' is an understatement but then again I don't want some pesky cousin or auntie to stumble upon this blog and call my parents and tell them that I am being a brat here in the United States (instead of studying) and making boyfriends. I come from a semi-traditional family and in my family it is not well tolerated that a girl has a boyfriend or anything of that sort prior to marriage. Yeah, I know---but lets be respectful here.This is also a good time to explain why I don't have a relationship status on Facebook. Okay enough of a disclaimer that was.I have known R since October 2003. He is a wonderful person. He is super-gentleman like and super-nice (I sound so uppity). At the same time however he is super-quiet. That's okay though. He thinks out real loud in his head (I think at least) and then says what would be appropriate situation-wise. Very spiffy about his actions. Very thoughtful and very calm at all times. A little drawback though is the quietness really---he will just bottle his emotions up and never let the opposite person know how he really is feeling. Not a great quality according to me.He is now in Orlando, Florida pursuing Law school. So proud of him...I hope he conquers all his dreams someday.Okay I shall resume capstone work now.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

My music is where I'd like you to touch...so thats a line from the song 'Music is my Hot Hot Sex' by Cansei de Ser Sexy. This song was used in the recent IPhone commercial. It's catchy. I just had an orange...prior to that I had some zesty ginger tea.

Today was like si---class, food, class, study, workout.

I have regained my ginormous appetite back. Not good.It's so, so cold. I hate people who disagree.(Okay not hate, dislike...eh, when did I get sucked into the cult of 'not say hate because its too harsh a word'?)

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

I have been ODing on Peter Yorn's 'Strange Condition'...I heard it a while ago and then it just resurfaced on some movie the other day and I started listening to it. Anyways, today was a little tiring. Antibiotics are making me a little tired and weak. So I got me some apples, oranges and also some ginger. The ginger for making ginger tea...supposed to be good for weak immune system.I have been a little stressed about my hair...I almost feel like I am going bald. Not like bald bald but like a receding hair line. Only if women looked charming with a bald spot. I think I am going to call it a day...just too tired and just too many thoughts gushing through my head.Need to sort them out while I sleep...

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

So I was thinking...about blogging. And I am, well, blogging about it. Blogging- writing comments on a particular subject. At least thats what Wikipedia says. I, however, view blogging as writing a diary--not so much commenting on a political or social situation. A very public diary, that is. Now my question of concern is that although I use it as a diary, how much can I write here? I mean I didn't start writing here to keep it a private thing. If that was the case, then I would have just bought a cute looking journal and wrote in that...but writing by hand is almost becoming obsolete. Back to the point---I feel this (blogs) is a good way for loved ones far away to keep in touch. Obviously writing emails is a good thing if one wants to keep in touch with family and friends far away but then again an email is different from a blog entry. Blogs are sometimes incoherent and a muddle of things you wouldn't put all at once in an email, unless you write emails in a different manner.So on blogs--- how explicit can I get with my thoughts and feelings. Could I write about things that would redeem ugly consequences? Probably not. I mean I don't think I could write about that pesky girl who annoyed me the other day or the cute guy who I have a crush on or even the professor who is driving me nuts with assignments. Those are just examples---completely fictional. But can one really write their true feelings, from deep within their hearts and minds and not worry about it? I am sure there are people who do it and have no qualms whatsoever...I, on the other hand, like to keep a few things to myself--situations where 1+1 doesn't equal 2 or thoughts that won't be digested well by anyone...But I like writing...and I guess with inhibitions, reservations and using measuring cups, I will continue to pen my filtered thoughts...

Argh. Argh. Argh. Research Paper. I am thinking of the agony most college student undergo when asked not to use Wikipedia, Google, etc. for research papers. Somehow they all still do---slyly. I am actually using LexisNexis and JSTOR a lot. I don't even remember the last time I used Wikipedia as an academic resource. NewsFlash: I am doing my paper for INF637 on Wikipedia and discussing public policy in relation to it. Wow, there is so much hullaballoo about Wikipedia- it's crazy. People suing Wikipedia over revelation of their sexual orientation on it and all kinds of privacy violations. Wikipedia is a host, isn't it? As far as I remember, it doesn't even have an editor. I usually like going to Wikipedia about trivial information like...I don't know, say searching for superheroines (halloween purposes). For that purpose Wikipedia was a ton of help. Gave me alphabetized list of superheroines, everything from Andromeda to Buttercup to Xena. Real help. Another purpose Wikipedia is good for is if you look at the sources cited, you can find some great...finds. So I am in the computer lab...class is at 6pm. I skipped database class today. Feel terrible about it but this paper needed some work. It's not the final paper, just four pages of the final paper. So not too terrible but just the whole task of researching about Wikipedia is very exhausting...I mean mentally. Anyways, had some very creamy (and not so tasty) tortellini at Sbarros (your source of uptown italian grub-NOT) and a breadstick totally soggified with oil. Oh and I started antibiotics beginning last night. I have this whole mucous situation again. And the weather is just busted....gray, cold, semi-icy rain, bad bad bad. Okay just wanted to drop a quick line in between papers, shmapers, coughs, classes and cold...ew that doesn't even go together. Whatever. I'm out.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Went to the BSA Variety Show last night. First of its kind and it just makes me so proud that BSA has come such a long way. It only seems like yesterday when I was sitting among senators and watch BSA come forth and propose the club to be permanent. We got approved and the rest is BSA history. So anyways, last night the Variety show comprised of everything from belly dancing to hip hop dancing to traditional Bengali music. I hope they make this an annual thing and it will be so much bigger, inshaallah. Tilova sang very beautifully and all the other acts were brilliant too. They even had snacks during intermission, all for the fantastic price of $3...I'd pay more for an entertaining show like that. Okay I sound like a columnist now...that's not the intention. BSA is very close to me because I have watched it grow (during its second phase at least because it did exist before and then dissolved due to some circumstances). Okay have to go to work now...work shmirk and then that paper to write.PRISON BREAK and HEROES tonight. Yum!

Sunday, November 4, 2007

So Saturday was meant to be spent wearing glasses, sipping coffee and staring into the computer in awe of finishing my research paper. Well that happened for like a hot second. After that I went to the gym to release those toxins, stress and all the gunk associated with school work. Came home and then went back to doing the paper. After a while Gowri came over and asked if I was interested in helping her with her hair coloring project. I love girls night in so of course I said yes. We went to Tops, bought two boxes of Loreal Feria Auburn (absolutely beautiful color). Applied like one and half bottles of color to her hair and then slapped the rest on my hair since I didn't want to throw the rest. Now we both have maroon hair...well her's more evenly distributed than mine since I made sure I hit every spot on her gorgeous hair. I look like I just have a wash of red color on the top of my head. It was fun though...it's still fun. I am enjoying this color. After that hair coloring project we got sooo hungry so we went to Denny's and had some light food there. Gowri told me about her days in Switzerland when she was 9-10 and all the things she did there. I love listening to childhood stories- ton of fun. I poured my heart about my previous days at UB...wow seems so, so long ago. After that I came home...and worked on my paper for sometime but it was fun Saturday.Yes its a Sunday and I am writing about Saturday...I'm such a dorkus.

Friday, November 2, 2007

After entering the surveys on the computer at work, I was off to the gym. A little treadmill was all this period and flu infested body could endure. I went into the sauna for a hot second. Someone once told me it helps lose water weight. Eh...don't know bout that. Anyhoo, walked home. Watched America's Next Top Model. Then Gowri came to pick me up...we went to Tops to shop the stuff she needed for making fried chicken for her baby love.Then we came over to my place and then we entered what can be described as a 'Southern phenomena'. We made fried chicken, southern style. We seasoned the flour real welll and then seasoned the chicken also made a pool of buttermilk. How southern can you get? The result was ultra-crispy, ultra-juicy fried chicken. Mmmm...real good. We ate some pumpkin pie with vanilla ice-cream (gowri's sudden pumpkin pie craving kicked in as we are grocery shopping.)...That was phenomenal too. Off she went to Ryan's and I came back to find out that my time in the kitchen had only begun. My roommate is going to something called a 'hotpot' event. It's a dish that people prepare by putting anything and everything into a hotpot and cooking. I don't mean to sound demeaning or crazy by saying anything and everything. They put stuff like lots of meats, veggies and rice maybe and they all eat out of it together. Sounds like something I'd totally be up for. Angela then tells me that she is going to take a flan. I knew I just had to help her knowing that this was her first time attempting baking. I went to Tilova's (my other good friend who is a real great baker herself.) and borrowed her hand-held mixer. Then I went on to make the caramel coating for Angela's flan and then burnt my finger with some melted sugar on it. Okay, FYI, melted hot sugar realllyyyy hurts. A lot. Whooh! So anyways, she seems set now with her flan mixture and all. I am back to writing my paper that's due Tuesday. This is one of those papers that could make or break your class grade. Very petrified.Now...I just want to lay down...

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Oh me God! Its November already! Wow. Time really flies by fast. Super-fast. I am much, much, MUCH better today. Thank the Lord. For the third week a sub teacher came in for the Social Web Media class...my professor's wife just delivered a baby girl, hence the absence. After class, Gowri and I had some more tea. The little pumpkin has been sick too...this is like uber-get-sick season. Not fun. I have started this new thing, I put pepper into my tea to make my throat feel better. I also heard that any kind of pepper revs up your metabolism. Eh, could be just a whole load of crap. Its all in the head. Anyways, so after a half hour, we went to lab for database class. I like labs because then you can always do some browsing on the side. The naughty student that I am. But I do manage to catch up with all his SQL jargon so it's not bad.After class I came home, ate some food...inhaled it again. I just get so, so hungry when its that time of the month. Its just weird. I get cravings for like something sweet and then like literally 2 seconds later I get a craving for something savory. Queer. Spent a good amount of time watching 'America's Next Top Model' on Mtv. Its the one where Yoanna wins...pretty old episodes. It's fun though watching their ultra creative photo shoots, the makeup, the hair and just the hullabaloo of them living together. I really like Yoanna...so pretty. I see these girls, all of them just gorgeous --but they are all so ridiculously insecure about themselves. Makes me want to chew my nails and pull my hair out all at the same time. Everyone has a reason.

I just ate some frosted flakes with milk. Yum. Now I am debating whether my eyebrows need further tweezing or are they bien?

Monday, October 29, 2007

Cough. Woke up. Cough. Made an appointment to go to Michael Hall again. Cough. So, so, sooo windy outside. Cough. Listened to my ipod on the bus to get my mind off the. Cough. Got examined by a nurse practitioner who didn't give anything effective (as of yet). Cough. Had some greasy, greasy food from Santoras (which I am supposed to not at this time. ). Cough. Did some Laundry (just my blankets and sheets really). Cough. Watched HEROES.I am so, so in love with Peter Petrelli now, but still love my dear Wentworth Miller more. Cough. Took a quiz for Database class, scored a 90. yay! Cough. Now will go lay at 90 degrees and try to sleep in that position as prescribed.Cough, cough, cough.This is getting really, really bad.I want to sleep like I always sleep and just go about my day. God, please make me well soon. Cough.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Missed a whole day in between.Okay so Saturday a bunch of things happened. Was sick all day but still managed to go to two different events. First was a eid/diwali celebration dinner which was organized by the Malaysian student Association. Braynard from work invited all of us (at work) and the sweet boy that he is we just had to go to support him and also take a bite out of Malaysia. The food was really exotic and something I never tried before. Coconut rice, anchovies in sauce, etc. etc. It was all delicious. After that, came home and got into my Halloween gear (courtesy of my lovely rommate angela.).Then Gowri came over and then we headed to Brads. He had decorated his house real nice, had a lot of good appetizers, dips, chips and candies everywhere and also had a fog machine. I had my asthmatic situation all throughout the time but managed to keep a straight face and enjoy because he truly did a great job with the party. Came back at 2ish and then just watched TV (cos i couldn't go to sleep due to the constant coughing.)Woke up today at 11am, baked a cake (from a box of course, didn't have time for 'from scratch' stuff today) and then headed to the BSA social. It was a ton of fun, Jen (BSA President) did a real nice job along with the rest of the eboard. Had some delicious biryani and some dessert. Then we played some mafia...ton of fun. Okay I guess you can tell that today I really don't feel like writing so yeah.Later.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Work went by real fast today. I trekked to South Campus today in what can be described as the prelude to a nasty rain session. Grey, meek and semi-chilly...my sweatpants got soaked as they (like always), grazed the roads underneath my even dirtier sneakers. I deposited my paychecks and decided to get some chicken and shrimp fried rice at China King- the only chinese restaurant within walking distance on South Campus. There is another one called May Zen, but never dared to try it in the last 6 years. After inhaling the fried rice, I headed to Tops (grocery store) to pick a few vegetables. Picked some nice looking zucchini, brocolli and cilantro but what was nicer was the special that was put on the tray of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. $7.94 for a huge tray. Amazing.Came back home, stashed everything in the refrig. and changed into some dry clothes. Yay for the great feeling of coming home and jumping onto your bed (in my case, mattress). Since then I have been watching movies on FX. I watched X-Men 2 from the middle and even cried a little when Jean died...ew I am such a birdie. Anyways, now I am watching the gorgeous Jennifer Connelly in Dark Waters. Never saw this one before. It's reminding me of all kinds of movies...from Ring to The Grudge...anything that involves blurry water and strands of dark hair is bound to reminisce of the Ring. I just downed a bowl of the chicken veggie stew I made earlier this week. My throat still feels like a dragon. Itchy, burning and plain annoying...I feel like having some Frosted flakes with cold, cold milke. Mmmm....Okay I have to catch up on 'Dark Water'. Hope I can sleep tonight...the pussy cat that I am.Wonder how many people hit the theater today for Saw IV...ugh.Later.Oh I made this photo collage just to include some of the highlights of my day today...

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Yes that is a picture of the influenza virus a.k.a the 'flu' virus. Naughty, naughty thing.I have been meaning to meet my adviser since forever and somehow things have been coming up that was not allowing me to do so...so instead of postponing it this time around (for the umpteenth time), I decided to bundle up. Starting from a wife-beater to a sweater to a puffy down-filled jacket + scarf and boots, I was ready to go. I had a bowl of the strawberry-frosted mini wheats with cold milk. Yes, cold, in the midst of all the body aches that actually get accentuated by cold. A quick cup of mint green tea and I was out.The meeting was short and I had mainly gone to ask a few questions about my capstone proposal. She did say that I didn't' need to come in the condition that I was in (am in?). After that I went to class and then left class early to go for my appointment at Michael Hall (which I made earlier today). After 20 minutes of waiting in the waiting area, I was called in."Your throat looks clean, your ears are good, no temperature...I don't think there's anything to worry about", said the nice doctor. Although relieved to hear that I demanded an explanation for the unsightly coughs, body aches, head aches, etc. "It's a viral thing that has been going around', she said. She prescribed some Mucinex for me and told me to take some Advil was well. The Advil hasn't done anything for me so far...it just makes my stomach grumble sometimes. I remember my mom saying once how some people's stomach bleed when they take too much ibuprofen (active ingredient of Advil).I made it to class- 15 minutes late, but did make it to class. Didn't want to miss the lab practical of Visual Basic. It did seem a lot easier than I'd thought. After class Gowri took me to her house where her sweet, sweet mom made me some rasam. Rasam is a concoction of bright and flavorful spices, salt, onion, garlic, tamarind and curry leaves in hot water. It soothed my throat so much. Bless that woman's soul. Gowri's parents are just so wonderful. So is she.After that we hit the mall for a bit...Halloween shopping. More like Halloween window shopping. Upon entering the mall we headed for the food court. Arby's had the shortest queue so roast beef sandwiches it was. I ordered a side of jalapeno poppers with which they gave me a sauce that tasted nothing short of raspberry jam. Anyways, we then went about to couple of stores.I'm home now...debating whether to have some tea. Okay me off now...

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

So,I haven't been here in a while. Not unusual. I told to myself prior to blogging that I would not be able to keep up on a daily basis. I have been miserably sick since last night. I have been ODing on Advils like nobody's business. No good. I have been drinking all kinds of teas: Green Tea, Orange Pekoe Tea, etc. No good. I even gargled with a concoction of warm water and salt. So so. The question then remains that why would I get struck by the bug once again only after being struck by it like twice before in the last two months. Like those trips to the ER wasn't enough. Heavy Sigh.I still went to work, still went to the gym and still managed to sport a smile. A real smile. There could be worse things happening to people. Actually, I am sure there are worse things happening to people. So...now I am going to hit the sack for an early shut-eye (as opposed to my usual post 2a.m. sleeping time).

I wish I could get some warm hugs for a loved one. I am one of those people who heals with love. It's just that love isn't in the immediate surroundings. *Grumble*

Okay a wee bit of tv and I am off to sleepy land...(Oh please Advil---make me feel better)

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Eggs and bread for breakie. Went to an indian cultural dance function with some friends. Girls night out. T'was fun...It's nice to see people dressed in colorful, traditional garb dance away like there's no tomorrow. It's nice to see hold friends and take pictures. It's nice to have friends....Shifting clouds annoy the shiznit out of me. Good day, unproductive as I didn't get any school work done, but good.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Its 1:30 am, Saturday. Windy outside. Quiet inside. The occassional 'zooms' of automoblies can be heard- I live close to a highway. I just washed my face, put some jojoba oil on and am watching Giada De Laurentis on Food Network. She is in London and is giving a rundown of stuff like: Fish 'n' chips, Prêt-à-Porter and other London like food. I am unsure as to why I have started blogging again. Utter boredom could be a possible reason. Reiterating hidden thoughts and desires could be another.

I had a pretty productive day today. Work from 12 noon-4pm: So at 12 hours per week, I like work. Besides the fact that the pay is staggeringly low, the atmosphere is like that of a foreign embassy. I work at the International Admissions Office. A hustling and bustling part of UB's (University at Buffalo) infrastructure. Korean, Chinese, Malaysian, etc. all form part of the multi-cultural staff. After four hours of work I called my mom. She (along with my dad and sister) live in Oman. It is located in the Middle East bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE. I grew up there since I was a month old. (yes this is an impromptu intro). I was born in Bangladesh. I speak Bangla (native language of Bangladesh) at home with my parents. My parents won't stop ranting about the fact that me and my sister converse in English. I can semi-comprehend Arabic, written better than spoken. So anyways, I called mom. She misses me. I miss her too. She is one of the few people in this world who truly knows what I am thinking in that part of my head where no one can usually go. Its pretty cool.

After 28 minutes of heart-warming talk with her (daytime minutes beware), I headed to the gym. This is part of my 'Must-lose-20-pounds-before-going-home-this-winter' scheme. I have a ridiculously low basal metabolic rate. I could inhale air and gain weight. Okay, when I decided to blog, I had promised myself not to whine about weight-related matters but it really is a bothersome part of my life so it may jump in between the walls every once in a while. SO after 20 minutes of treadmill and 30 minutes of biking, I came home. I cooked some broccoli, mushrooms, red pepper, green pepper, zucchini, squash, red potatoes and ground chicken together (yes all that at one go). It wasn't too grisly tasting. After two huge bowlfuls of my mysterious stew, I wandered about my apartment thinking of what to do.

Sigh.

Sometimes, life is so strange. There are these inexplicable thoughts racing through my mind. I think of the last 6 years that I have spent here in the United States. I have been lucky to visit home every year so I am not complaining about the home-sickness part. I am belly-aching about what life holds for me. Somehow, everyone else in my life has their 'stuff' figured out. I feel like this forlorn pea...rolling away into a pool of uselessness. I am an Informatics, 2nd year student. I haven't even started revising my thesis proposal which is due in less than 4 weeks, instead I am browsing through people's profiles on facebook, checking out pictures of rihanna on google images to see how precisely she does her make-up and popping on my Ipod every now and then. And the reason I am losing focus is not because I am not earnest, but it's because the state of the program is very fragile. Teachers leaving, students complaining---it is a messy situation. Argh. Can't wait till the end of next semester when, hopefully, I will be shopping for a commencement gown. Never liked the way those things look on me. The feeling is good though.

Good feelings remind of all the people I have met in this program. Made a lot of friends who are such wonderful people. Beautiful inside out. Gowri for example, is such a beautiful girl with a heart of gold. We have shared some good times and continue to do so and its one of the things that I wouldn't have want to change because of an unstable program. I intend to complete a SAP training once I have done the 'walk' to supplement the unstableness which many a times only students in this program feel, while others don't. Good thing . Can't think of anything to write.

Media stuff- Britney Spears got a lip job or something and it is splashed all over the news. One question: There are other important things happening in other parts of the world like starvation, poverty, etc. Why is there so much emphasis on a lousy 20 somethings life? Oh God I hope that Chris Crocker guy doesn't kill me for writing this. Pshaw- talk about getting famous in the weirdest manners. I don't get this place sometimes.